Irish heritage
Claddagh Ring Guide
Discover the meaning behind Ireland's most treasured symbol, and how to wear your Claddagh ring.
Born in Claddagh, Galway
The meaning of the Claddagh
The Claddagh ring comes from the fishing village of Claddagh, near Galway, and has been worn for over 300 years. It remains a meaningful gift for life's special moments.
- The heart represents love.
- The crown symbolises loyalty.
- The hands signify friendship.
Together, they express the enduring values of a strong and lasting relationship.
Right or left, in or out
How to wear a Claddagh ring
The hand you wear it on, and which way the heart points, traditionally show your relationship status.
-
Right hand
Single
Heart outward. The point of the heart faces your fingertip.
Your heart is open and you are not in a relationship.
-
Right hand
In a relationship
Heart inward. The point of the heart faces your wrist.
Your heart belongs to someone.
-
Left hand
Engaged
Heart outward. The point of the heart faces your fingertip.
You are engaged to be married.
-
Left hand
Married
Heart inward. The point of the heart faces your wrist.
Your heart belongs to your spouse.
| Status | Hand | Heart points |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Right | Outward, towards your fingertip |
| In a relationship | Right | Inward, towards your wrist |
| Engaged | Left | Outward, towards your fingertip |
| Married | Left | Inward, towards your wrist |
Frequently asked questions
Need a hand choosing? Call us on 028 9062 0992, email sales@onajewellers.com, or visit us in the Kennedy Centre, Belfast.
Traditionally, the right hand if you are single or in a relationship, and the left hand if you are engaged or married. The direction the heart faces completes the message, as shown in the guide above.
Yes. We have Claddagh rings with larger heads that suit a gent's hand, as well as more delicate designs, in gold and silver.
Yes. Our birthstone Claddagh ring is crafted in sterling silver. Choose your birth month and ring size to make it yours. Shop birthstone Claddagh jewellery.
Yes. Worn on the left hand, the heart faces outward when you are engaged and inward once you are married. We also offer Claddagh wedding bands and ring sets.
If you are buying a ring from ONA Jewellers, we will measure your finger free of charge. We also sell ring sizers, and the cost will be deducted from a future ring purchase. In most cases we can also resize a ring. See our Help & Advice page for more.
Gold & Silver Irish Jewellery
Choose from 9ct gold, sterling silver and gold plated designs, including pendants, bangles and rings to suit every style.
